A Perth father and son are in training for Perth’s attempt to break the kilt race world record.

Inspired to take up running by the Fair City’s first kilted race last year, Barry Campbell, (36), a senior technician at Ness Motors on Perth’s ‘motor mile’, gave up what he admits was a fairly inactive lifestyle.

He told The PA yesterday: “Surprisingly when training for the kilt race, I really caught the running bug.

“After finishing in the top 100 in what was my very first race, when I hung up my kilt I kept my running shoes out and kept training.”

That training has led to further challenges over the past year as Barry has gone on to compete at a range of distances, moving up from 10k and half marathons to the full marathon.

His impressive marathon personal best of three hours and 26 minutes was set in April in Blackpool during a trip to celebrate his 11th wedding anniversary.

Now a keen member of Perth Roadrunners, he trains regularly. “I prefer the freedom of running to the confines of the gym and enjoy the social side too,” he added.

With August 10’s 5k Perth Kilt Run open to children aged over five, this year Barry’s son Nathan (6), who attends Viewlands Primary, is excited to be running with his dad.

And Barry’s tips for other would-be kilted runners? “It’s not too late to get training,” he said.

“Anyone can get out there and get running.

“The kilt race world record rules require everyone to run the first 100m, after that there’s nothing wrong with walking some of the way round.

“The only disappointment last year was that we narrowly missed out on the world record. This time we need to succeed.